Defense Minister: TNI Ready To Send Troops To Gaza Under UN Naungan

Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at IMIP Airport, Morowali, Central Sulawesi, Thursday (20/11/2025) (ANTARA/Walda Marison)

MOROWALI - Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed that the TNI is ready to send peacekeepers to Gaza after the United Nations (UN) mandated troop deliveries.

"The TNI has prepared its units for peace tasks under the United Nations (UN)," said Sjafrie when met by media crews at IMIP Airport, Morowali, Central Sulawesi, Antara, Thursday, November 20.

Even though they have received approval from the United Nations, Sjafrie admitted that his staff still have to wait for the government's decision, in this case President Prabowo Subianto, to send troops.

"We are waiting for a political decision from the government," he explained.

To note, the TNI has prepared 20,000 troops to be sent to Gaza to carry out the UN peace mission. The 20,000 troops consist of health units and Zeni in charge of construction.

Not only troops, but the TNI has also prepared equipment starting in the health sector and construction work to support the work of troops in Gaza.

Earlier, the UN Security Council, Monday (17/11) adopted a resolution sponsored by the United States (US) to form an ISF in the Gaza Strip.

According to the resolution, the ISF will operate in Gaza in collaboration with Israel and Egypt, as well as with an initial mandate of two years.

The troops are tasked with securing the Gaza border, protecting civilians, distributing humanitarian aid, retraining the Palestinian police, and overseeing the process of dismantling Hamas weapons and other armed groups.

A total of 13 UN DK member states supported the resolution, while Russia and China declared abstain.